The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word institution as “something or someone firmly
associated with a place or thing,” while the Britannica Dictionary defines it as “someone or
something that is very well known and established in a particular field or place.”
Advanced math teacher Cil Guerrero checks both of those boxes at Bossier High, and then
some. Although she did not graduate as a Bearkat, Guerrero got there as fast as she could, and
there are few people who could match her allegiance. She bleeds green and is a firm believer
there’s “Nothing Bigger Than the B.”
“I like to tell my students that some people are born Bearkats and others get to become one!”
Guerrero said.
Her story as a Bearkat began to unfold in 2003, two years into Guerrero’s teaching career. She
fell in love with Bossier High on her first day, and has been “all in” ever since.
“My family believes in service and unconditional love, so when you get one of us, you have all of
us!” she explained. “That is how the deep roots started. At times during my tenure here, other
siblings have taught here and coached, as well. My family recognizes the special nature of
Bossier High and wants to be a part of it! When you invest and serve students, it is hard not to
fall in love with them!”
And when someone invests, serves and loves as hard as Guerrero, it is seen and felt by others.
Bossier High teacher Colene Pipes is one of the many who is marveled by her co-worker and
friend.
“You wish your own child could have had her class and not just because she knows her
subject,” Pipes professed. “She is in attendance at nearly every Bearkat event and cheering the
loudest of all or running the show. She does it all! And with such genuine joy and generosity of
spirit. The world would be a better place if every child could have a teacher like her.”
Other colleagues cite Guerrero’s unmatched positive spirit, tireless commitment and willingness
to help new teachers find their footing. Just a few of the titles she proudly wears include sponsor
of the senior class and National Honor Society; organizer of Homecoming and Prom; and that
still doesn’t scratch the surface.
“Math teacher, Master teacher, basketball First Lady, dual enrollment teacher, duty teacher …
and the list goes on,” added Assistant Principal Marie Boudreaux. “Mrs. Guerrero is part of the
backbone of Bossier High. When something is needed, she fills the gap … Bossier High would
not be the place it is without Mrs. Guerrero.”
“There is NO ONE on Bossier High’s campus who works harder than Cil,” librarian Stacy Smith
affirmed. “And the best thing about her is that she does it without extra pay (helping teach three Algebra I classes with no certified teacher while still managing her own classes) and the
countless other things that she does simply because Cil thinks it is the right thing to do. She
takes ‘show the love of Jesus’ to a whole new level.”
With her own cheerleading squad rooting for her, it was with great fanfare that a crowd of well-
wishes barged into Guerrero’s classroom one recent morning to announce she was not only
Bossier High’s brightest star, but also the recipient of Bossier Schools’ Gold Star.
“I truly love every single second of my day. I love teaching,” Guerrero later reflected. ”The
classroom is where God has placed me and, I believe, where He will keep me. The relationships
I make in Lampkin 105 are what it is all about.”